Chapter 119: Vicious ChenPing
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
It turns out, this Martial Order Medallion was actually such an important thing! Meng LiGe felt his heart turn cold! Thinking about how Wei ChengPing could casually take it out and toss it around, Meng LiGe sighed in his heart. How can he treat such an important item so lightly? From just this alone, it could be seen how Wei ChengPing faced his everyday life.
"Mister Meng, you are eloquent and wise, I hope you can represent me to the Sky Bearing Empire. Tell her that I, Wei ChengPing, have the confidence to save her. At the same time, tell her my conditions as well. Of course, it is best for you to be more tactful with your words." Wei ChengPing said, as he kept the Martial Order Medallion.
"Crown prince, I do not have much confidence in this matter. Your subordinate will try his best." Meng LiGe bowed and did not reject the crown prince.
Wei ChengPing was delighted and said with a smile, "I knew that Mister Meng will not disappoint me," after pausing for a moment, a malevolent glare appeared, "if that lass does not appreciate my kindness and rejects me, you must also report the matter back to me immediately! There must be no delays!"
Meng LiGe immediately understood Wei ChengPing's intentions. He could not help but stutter, "Crown prince, don't tell me you…"
Wei ChenPing then remarked coldly, "That's right! If that lass refuses my kind intentions, I will send people to the Sky Bearing Empire and kill her, regardless the cost, to frame the Sky Bearing Empire! Hmph, Yu family, I want to see if they will still distance themselves from worldly affairs if she is killed!"
For the first time, Meng LiGe looked towards We ChengPing with a trace of fear in his eyes! How can it be a good thing for the commoners of the Northern Wei if their crown prince was so vicious?
"Mister Meng, it is not that ChengPing wants to be vicious. Think about it, if we were to compare just the seven empires, my Northern Wei would not lose to any other empire. In fact, we may even be slightly stronger than them. But if we were to compare the our real strength, our Northern Wei would be obviously weaker. All of the other six empires has an aristocratic family, which has existed for countless of generations, to support them. Every aristocratic family is filled with talent and they are extremely powerful.
Ever since that chaos which swept the continent 50 years ago, heroes have risen everywhere. The ShangGuan and YuChi family, which were part of the original eight great families, were destroyed and replaced by the Ling and Yang family. While the Ling and Yang family are still new and cannot be compared to the other great families, both their families are supporting the Sky Bearing Empire and can be comparable to a large great family.
The Southern Zheng has the NanGong family to support them. The Western Han's royal family is extremely close to the Ximen family. The Great Zhao Empire has the support of the DongFang family. The Wu Empire has the BeiMing family to support them. Even the Moon Deity Empire has the support of the DiLei family. As for my Northern Wei Empire, while we have the presence of the strongest Yu family, they choose to act like they are not bothered with worldly affairs and ignores all state affairs. In fact, they do not allow the disciples of their Yu family to even enter the imperial court! Instead of being a source of strength, the Yu family is a large handicap for us!
Currently, every country and aristocratic family is monitoring the situation in the world and will spring into action at any time! Even the Xiao family, who aren't part of the eight great families, are also not laying down low! The moment the continent is thrown into chaos and the war for hegemony begins, the potential of the great families will become obvious. As for my Northern Wei, as long as the Yu family does not take action, this will become a weakness for us. At that time, we may well be the first empire to get eliminated when war breaks out! Even if we are not the first to be destroyed, we will not have the might to fight for hegemony! This is all because of the Yu family!
While the Yu family does not take part in state affairs, they are in the territory of my Northern Wei Empire. With the Yu family present, it is nothing more than a dream to support a family to become as large as the great families! Even with the support of my Northern Wei's imperial family, no one would dare to rise to prominence with the risk of offending the Yu family!
Such a situation has already persisted for a long time. With the deep roots and strong foundation of the Yu family, it wouldn't be too much to say that the Yu family is the most powerful of the eight great families. It is impossible for our imperial family to destroy the Yu family. In fact, no one would have such an ability either. With the presence of such a family, it is a humiliation to my imperial family! We can't fight them or pull them to our side! Every time we deal with them, we have to be extremely careful. Isn't this akin to erecting an ancestral tablet? What is the use of having such an aristocratic family?
However, we cannot just ignore this matter completely. Even if we are not going to fight for hegemony, we must also struggle for our survival! In the world, it is no longer a case where the victor becomes king while the loser becomes a thief. While the victor would definitely become king, the loser would die a terrible death for sure! There isn't any room for mistakes!
Thus, even if the Yu family isn't willing to accept the marriage, even if Yu BingYan isn't willing to accept my terms, I will have to try my best to pull the Yu family into this chaos! This matter cannot be delayed. While the continent still seems to be peaceful, chaos is on the verge of breaking out! The earlier we make our preparations, the greater the chance of survival!"
Meng LiGe considered for a moment before nodding his head, "The crown prince's words makes sense. However, this matter has to be planned carefully. If the Yu family finds out about this, the destruction of our empire will be right before our eyes."
"They definitely won't! Mister can be assured about this point. Without confidence, how would ChengPing dare to touch the little princess of the Yu family?" Wei ChengPing said calmly.
Meng LiGe sighed in his heart and felt helpless again! While Wei ChengPing praised the Yu family so much and was wary of them, he underestimates the Yu family too much in his actions. It would be a wonder if he does not suffer any losses! If the Yu family could be dealt with so easily, they would have been destroyed many times over in the past 1000 years! How could it be Wei ChengPing's turn to do so?
"Mister Meng, I will give you one thousand soldiers and twenty imperial guards. If Mister Meng is able to, I hope that Mister Meng can leave tomorrow and plan the matters tonight. How about that?" Wei ChengPing said with sincerity, "Unless Mister takes action personally, I will not be assured if anyone else goes to the Sky Bearing Empire. If the news were to be leaked and the Yu family finds out about it, things would definitely be troublesome!"
"Alright then, if that's the case, we shall not delay the matter. I will go to the Sky Bearing Empire tomorrow. However, I am only going to relay a message, wouldn't it attract too much attention if I were to bring so many men?" Meng LiGe said with a frown.
"Mister Meng is my trusted aide, who is like a pillar in my life. If your guards are too little, how can ChengPing be assured about your safety?" Wei ChengPing said with passion, "No matter what choice the Yu family makes, as long as Mister can support ChengPing for life, we will eventually achieve great things. In ChengPing's heart, Mister's safety is the top priority."
While Meng LiGe's expression was as calm as ever, he felt warmth in his heart. While Wei ChengPing was extremely ruthless, he really took care of Meng LiGe ever since he entered Wei ChengPing's camp. Taking a deep bow, he said, "This subordinate thanks the crown prince for his concern. This subordinate will definitely try my best to support the crown prince. I will try my best in everything I do, until my final breath!"
"Mister is too serious! ChengPing only hopes that if ChengPing is lucky enough to rule the continent, Mister can still be by ChengPing's side, so I can continue learning from Mister." Wei ChengPing said with sincerity as he held onto Meng LiGe's hands.
"Crown prince your highness…" Meng LiGe's usually calm heart also became emotional as he said, "This subordinate will take his leave. I will pack up my things and report to the crown prince tomorrow morning before leaving."
"Please take care, Mister. Have a safe trip."
After Meng LiGe took two steps out, he slapped himself on the head and said with a bitter laughter, "Crown prince your highness, your subordinate has never seen the little princess before. For me to go to the Sky Bearing Empire to look for her, it seems a little… Furthermore, I believe that it is also a secret that the little princess is in the Sky Bearing Empire. If that secret is going to be leaked by me, I think the Yu family will not be too happy. I wonder if the crown prince has a portrait of the little princess?"
"This…" Wei ChengPing was stunned as well, "I shall not hide it from Mister; the little princess of the Yu family rarely goes out and ChengPing does not have her portrait nor know how she looks like. I have only heard from the legends that the little princess is a rare beauty. This…"
Meng LiGe did not know whether to laugh or cry. He felt contradictory in his heart as his heart turned a little cold. The warmth and excitement from being treasured so greatly had already disappeared greatly. The crown prince had not even seen the little princess of the Yu family before! He wants to marry her before even seeing her! He was obviously just interested in the power of the Yu family!
He originally thought that the little princess was an outstanding beauty who the crown prince happened to chance upon. From that moment on, he fell in love with her on first sight and decided to pursue her. With the driving force of love together with the influence of the Yu family, the crown prince decided to pursue this phoenix. If that was the case, this crown prince would still have some merits in his character. But now, he had actually admitted that he had never seen Yu BingYan before!
Meng LiGe could not help but feel disappointed and dejected in his heart. This person was just a vicious character who would use any possible means to get his way. He is definitely not a hero! Should I feel lucky or sorrow?! I would be able to enjoy fame and fortune with a hero; but a vicious character would be extremely hard to serve. From this day on, I probably can't give my best to serve him anymore…
Meng LiGe stood in a daze for a moment before letting out a long sigh, "If that's the case, then LiGe will play by ear in the Sky Bearing Empire. This subordinate takes his leave."
Wei ChengPing smiled and responded with cupped fists, "I am counting on Mister. Oh, I hope that Mister will take note that the Martial Order Medallion is a large secret. Only the rulers of the various empires will know about this. When Mister talks about that, you can consider how to mention it."
Meng LiGe bowed in acknowledgement and exited the palace. His originally straight back suddenly seemed to carry a hint of melancholy. Looking at his back view, he looked like a scholar who had failed the imperial examination again.
After seeing Meng LiGe leave, Wei ChengPing revealed a devious smile and commanded his guards, "Get General ZhenNan to see me." With the temper of those from the Yu family, it was almost impossible for Yu BingYan to accept his proposal. Thus, he would have to prepare a backup plan in advance.
Sending Meng LiGe to the Sky Bearing Empire was just to display his sincerity to Yu ManLou. No matter what happens after, Yu ManLou would definitely not suspect himself. If Meng LiGe is unable to persuade Yu BingYan, then the both of them would have known too many secrets by then. Hehehe…
"A pity! A pity! A pity for Meng LiGe's wisdom and Yu BingYan's beauty!" Wei ChengPing sighed twice as his demeanor grew more and more vicious.
If one wants to achieve great things, sacrifices must definitely be made! Without paying a huge enough price, how is it possible to taste the sweet taste of victory?!
"As long as I can pull the Yu family into my camp, not to mention a Meng LiGe, even if I have to sacrifice… " Wei ChengPing did not continue his thoughts as the viciousness in his eyes grew thicker.
Chapter 120: Good Traditions
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
"Reporting to the crown prince, General ZhenNan is here and waiting for you by the door."
"Oh, alright." Wei ChengPing calmed himself down, his face reverting to the respectful and friendly appearance. Anyone who sees his appearance now would definitely feel a sense of warmth. Wei ChengPing now looked like someone who could be completely trusted and confided in.
Wei ChengPing then walked towards the entrance of the crown prince's palace to receive his guest.
In the morning, Ling Tian still did not bother about his image as he walked out of them room while stretching lazily. At the same time, he even yawned to the skies.
In the little courtyard, XueLeng hugged his sword and leaned on the rack of grapes. His eyes were closed as though he was dozing off.
Yesterday night, XueLeng was pranked by Ling Tian's three bricks and dragged into a bloody battle. It exhausted XueLeng of his heart, body and inner strength. Being surrounded by the enemies alone, facing the attacks of multiple experts with death being so near him. Up until now, XueLeng still felt a lingering fear in his heart.
After returning to Ling Tian's courtyard with great difficulty, XueLeng was already completely exhausted. XueFei then helped him to circulate his inner Qi for a full two hours. Only after recovering his Inner Qi did XueLeng feel a little better. But up until now, he still looked as though he was in a terrible condition.
"Eh, brother XueLeng, you're up early." Ling Tian yawned and walked towards XueLeng as he stretched his back.
"Mmm." XueLeng looked at Ling Tian for a moment before closing his eyes again. XueLeng was also puzzled about the Ling family's strength. When XueFei went out to take a look in the morning, he said that every family in the Sky Bearing Empire was searched; even the houses of the government officials were no different. However, the Ling family was still tranquil, as though they weren't aware about the matter!
This made XueLeng a little surprised. While he did not think that NanGong Le was killed by the Ling family, the Ling family was the biggest enemy of the Yang family on the surface. Thus, the Ling family should be the one with the largest suspicion. However, why did the Yang family search every house except for the Ling family?
As the door opened with a soft creak, Yu BingYan walked out from the house neatly dressed. Seeing that Ling Tian was already in the courtyard, her beautiful eyes twinkled with happiness. For her to see him, the person who cared for her so much, the first thing in the morning, it was a form of happiness which made Yu BingYan feel extremely contented!
"Hehe, beautiful eyes and distinct features; lotus like face and willow like brows. Little sister, you forgot to put on your disguise today and you're radiating with beauty." Ling Tian looked at her tan face and commented.
"Ah? Really?" Yu BingYan was startled! Don't tell me?? She turned around quickly and ran into the bedroom. Halfway into the bedroom, she suddenly snapped into her senses and turned around seething with anger, "Tian'ge only knows how to lie. I was applying the face concealing powder just now and stared at the mirror for such a long time."
With a smile which did not seem like a smile, Ling Tian said, "Little sister, so you have to conceal your appearance every day? Does that mean that you will wash it off before you sleep? If that's the case, this little brother does not mind hiding on the roof for one night to see your true appearance!"
Yu BingYan giggled, "I'm not going to tell a baddie like you."
Ling Tian laughed and wanted to tease her further. However, a maidservant walked over, "Young noble, Old Madam seeks your presence."
Ling Tian acknowledged and said to Yu BingYan, "Yan'er, don't run around. This elder brother will teach you painting when I am back."
Yu BingYan responded with a 'Mmm' as she revealed a smile.
"Pig head, while I did approach you initially because I wanted to learn painting, this is no longer the case anymore. As long as I can see you every day, that will be fine. Whether or not I learn painting is not important anymore. As long as I am in your house, I will never go out. But… I do not have much time left and every extra second I look at you will be a blessing!"
Yu BingYan looked at Ling Tian's back view; while she had a wide and beautiful smile, tears began to fill her eyelids…
"You sent someone to kill NanGong Le, right?" After Old Madam Ling saw Ling Tian, she dismissed everyone around her and got into the main topic.
Old Madam Ling was in good spirit, with her face glowing red with healthiness. In this past decade, Ling Tian had used his Inner Qi to adjust the bodies of Duke Ling, Old Madam Ling, his parents and Mister Qin. (Of course, his grandfather and parents were unaware of the matter. The way Ling Xiao and Ling Zhan were so careless must really be praised, not realizing the matter at all. As for Chu Ting'er, she did not know a single bit of martial arts and thus did not find out either.) While they all grew older and older, their bodies seemed to grow healthier, looking as though they could live for another 20 to 30 years.
Ling Tian laughed, "Grandmother, I sometimes suspect that you are secretly tailing me. Why is it such that you know everything I do?"
"Hmph, little brat, I wonder who you learnt all these from — a stomach full of bad water and head full of evil schemes! This old lady here still finds it very strange; your grandfather and father are both straightforward and simple-minded fellows and the Ling family never seemed to have any wise figures before. Why is it such that there is a weirdo like you in this generation?" Old Madam Ling scolded laughingly.
"Grandmother, you are maligning me." Ling Tian walked to Old Madam Ling's back and massaged her lightly.
Stretching her neck comfortably, Old Madam Ling turned behind and said, "But ever since I've seen through you, your grandmother can also be more relaxed. These few years have been tiring! Haiz, I just cannot count on your grandfather or father for anything!"
Ling Tian laughed, "Grandfather and father are both straightforward and good men! Since when did anyone question grandmother and mother's taste?! As for the Ling family, it has indeed been hard on grandmother to run it all by yourself for so many years. But, grandfather and father just cannot help much and so grandmother has to have a greater burden. But, grandmother does more work because you are much more capable, doing it without complain!"
While the Ling family looks prosperous, the truth was that dangers laid all around. In order to let the Ling family have a larger influence in the Sky Bearing Empire, Old Madam Ling used all of her means and schemes to grow the Ling family into one of the Eight Great Families. Everything in the family was ran by Old Madam Ling single-handedly. After so many years, she was indeed starting to feel tired.
Hearing the caring words from her grandson, Old Madam Ling gave a satisfied sigh, "It's good that you know. Haiz, it is not just the fact that your grandfather and father cannot be of any help… Those two dim witted fellows…"
Old Madam Ling then shook her head while sighing as she said mournfully, "Originally, your mother, Chu Ting'er, is also an intelligent and meticulous person. She was the person who I was intending to groom to be my successor. If not for your appearance, the Ling family would probably walk down the same path of having the female as the head."
Ling Tian laughed, "Same path? Grandmother, the Ling family has always been ran by females?"
"Hmph!" Old Madam Ling rolled her eyes at Ling Tian, "That's right; before we became one of the Eight Great Families, us weak ladies have always been the one holding up the family. This has already become a tradition of our Ling family!" Her face then turned red as she said, "Take your grandfather for example, there is only me, your grandmother. As for your father, there is only your mother. Let me tell you; before the both of them, many generation of our ancestors only had a single wife! The best tradition of such straightforward men is that they are all henpecked males!"
Ling Tian's eyes widened in shock as he also stopped massaging his grandmother unconsciously. He had never expected the Ling family to have such a glorious tradition! Only after a while did he burst out into laughter, laughing until his tears flowed out.
The ancestors of our Ling family, it has really been… hard on all of you!
"What are you laughing at? If you do not have any abilities and continue to be so useless, I will also find a daughter-in-law to control you!" Old Madam Ling rebuked in anger.
Ling Tian laughed until his body cramped up. After a while, he finally managed to control himself, "Grandmother, rest assured! If I, Ling Tian, cannot even handle my own wife and concubines, I would rather just buy a piece of tofu to commit suicide."
Old Madam Ling then flew into a rage and pinched his ears, "So you are trying to say that your grandfather and father should buy a tofu to commit suicide? Hmph!"
Ling Tian grimaced in pain as he pleaded for mercy, "Grandmother, argh… softer. What I mean is, there are no longer heroines like you and grandmother anymore. Where would grandson be able to find such a capable lady. Grandfather and father are the luckiest. Your grandson will be satisfied if I can find someone like the both of you to warm my sheets. Besides that, how can grandfather and father be said to be useless? They are only useless at home, right?!"
"That's more like it!" Old Madam Ling let go of his ears in satisfaction and took a seat.
"Haha, grandmother, I thought that the Ling family's ancestors made a rule that their descendants can only have a single wife. So, this wasn't the case." Ling Tian chuckled.
"Hmph, as long as you can watch your wives, no one would say a thing if you can find a hundred of them. As long as your body can take it, this old lady is still waiting to have a great grandchild." Old Madam Ling trembled.
Ling Tian laughed, "I am not so frivolous."
"While it was a little rash for you to kill NanGong Le this time, it was a large action." After digressing enough, Old Madam Ling went back to the main topic.
Ling Tian smiled, "Grandmother also thinks that it is a large action?"
"Little brat, don't look down on your grandmother. Do you think I cannot see through your little tricks?" Old Madam Ling slapped his back in anger, "NanGong Le is only a silkpants descendant; even in the NanGong family, he is an unimportant character. It wouldn't matter even if a hundred of him were to die. But the problem is the timing which you chose to do so, accurately picking the most critical time. With the accurate time you chose, it would definitely create a huge storm."
Ling Tian's face grew serious; he never imagined that his grandmother would be able to pinpoint the most important part of his plan with just the news of NanGong Le's death! Age indeed brings wisdom!
"NanGong Le died under the protection of the Yang family and it happened coincidentally after they fixed the marriage. If it was any other time, the Yang and NanGong family will break out into a fight. Then, after the Yang family does something in the Sky Bearing Empire, the matter would be over. But now, your idea is just far too scheming. The timing which you chose joint this matter with the situation in the continent, making NanGong Le become famous after his death and becoming a key person in the continent."
Chapter 121: Large Actions
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
Ling Tian smiled, "Does grandmother think that this is a large action too?"
"Little brat, don't look down on your grandmother. Do you think I cannot see through your little tricks?" Old Madam Ling slapped his back in anger, "NanGong Le is only a silkpants descendant; even in the NanGong family, he is an unimportant character. It wouldn't matter even if a hundred of him were to die. But the problem is the timing which you chose to do so, accurately picking the most critical time. With the accurate time you chose, it would definitely create a huge storm."
Ling Tian's face grew serious; he never imagined that his grandmother would be able to pinpoint the most important part of his plan with just the news of NanGong Le's death! Age indeed brings wisdom!
"NanGong Le died under the protection of the Yang family and it happened coincidentally after they fixed the marriage. If it was any other time, the Yang and NanGong family will break out into a fight. Then, after the Yang family does something in the Sky Bearing Empire, the matter would be over. But now, your idea is just far too scheming. The timing which you chose joint this matter with the situation in the continent, making NanGong Le become famous after his death and becoming a key person in the continent."
Old Madam Ling then praised with a neither fast nor slow pace, "A small little NanGong Le can be used by you to create such a storm! This plan of yours is extremely bold but yet intricately planned! Even your grandmother is in awe."
Ling Tian then chuckled, "How can things be so serious, it is just the head of a silkpants."
"Hmph! The time when this head of his fell is when the undercurrents are surging with the storm brewing. Not only the NanGong and Yang family, all the various powers in the continent who has an ambition would also make use of this head to create a storm! For NanGong Le to die in such a moment, it has given many families a chance! They can use this chance to fish for information, or even break the original balance. For the various powers to gain what they want, they will have to pay a similar price as well. In the process of all these, their real strengths would also surface gradually. As for what the end result will be, no one will be able to imagine it. But—"
Old Madam Ling smiled, "—there is one outcome that is obvious. Due to the death of NanGong Le, Yang KongQun's actions had already drawn the attention of the imperial family. Furthermore, the marriage between the Yang and NanGong family would also be dissolved because of this. The one who would benefit the most from these two outcomes would be our Ling family! Furthermore, our Ling family did not reveal any of our hidden strengths. Your calculations and perfect timing indeed left me in awe!"
"The moment the news of this matter is spread, the Yang family would suffer the greatest burn from the aftermath. With a child of their NanGong family dead, the NanGong family will definitely not let the matter rest so easily. They would definitely make a huge commotion because of this matter! The imperial family of our Sky Bearing Empire will definitely keep one of their eyes closed towards the conflict between the NanGong and Yang family after witnessing the frightening strength the Yang family displayed the other day. In fact, they may even add fuel to the fire, making use of the opportunity to weaken the Yang family." Old Madam Ling said with a thumbs-up.
"That's right, grandmother has the same thoughts as me." Ling Tian praised, "Grandmother is the best!"
"Scram! Is this any different from blowing your own trumpet? If you are not going to tell me about your full plan, do you believe that this old lady will beat you up with a walking stick?" Old Madam Ling pretended that she was angry. However, the smile on her face made it difficult for one to imagine that she was going to beat someone up.
Ling Tian pretended to be afraid and shrunk his neck back. He did not continue to be glib-tongued and said, "This is grandson's plan: The moment this issue spreads, all the major powers would definitely be attracted! There is no need to mention the NanGong family, Yang family and imperial family of our Sky Bearing Empire. That Western Han had just suffered a defeat in the hands of father and will definitely want to stick their heads in this matter to ease the pressure within their country. The Wu Empire has been fighting the Southern Zheng for a long time and had always been on the losing end. Now that such a huge matter happened in the NanGong family from the Southern Zheng, the Wu Empire will definitely add fuel to the fire in secret as well, to give them some time to catch a breath."
Ling Tian then drank a sip of tea and cleared his throat, "As for the Northern Wei, the little princess of the Yu family is in the Sky Bearing Empire right now. With such a matter erupting in the Sky Bearing Empire, the Yu family will definitely send more experts or fetch their little princess back. As such, the powerful Yu family would unknowingly be dragged into this affair as well! Due to their apprehensions towards the Yu family, the various powers would not dare take things too far and will only operate in secret! Furthermore, the elites from the Xiao family would also not be willing to stay out of this matter. They would definitely send people to the Sky Bearing Empire as well, to see if they can use this matter to spark a world war!"
"As for the other empires, they would definitely not let go of this opportunity to weaken the Sky Bearing Empire and would definitely make an issue out of this matter."
Old Madam Ling's eyebrows creased up tighter and tighter; Ling Tian's plan had completely exceeded her expectations. She could not help but consider deeply, "This old lady thought too simply. What about our Ling family? Tian'er, you are really playing with fire! If the war breaks out from the Sky Bearing Empire, have you thought about the consequences? Our Sky Bearing Empire would be the first to get destroyed."
Ling Tian then gave a carefree smile, "It definitely won't! Currently, the only power which would want the war to start is probably the Xiao family! Up until now, the Northern Wei has not received clear support from the Yu family. As long as the Yu family does not express their support for them, the Northern Wei would definitely not dare to make any rash movements! The Southern Zheng and Wu Empire are presently at war and are both exhausting their resources. If they join the battle in the Sky Bearing Empire, the Southern Zheng and Wu Empire will be surrounded by enemies for sure. This is something which they will not be able to accept presently! Thus, they will take action but ensure that they do not step on the bottom lines of the various powers. Not just them, even if the other powers have such intentions, both the nations would definitely stop the other powers!"
"The Western Han had just suffered a great loss from the loss of the Valley of Sobbing Spirits. The hearts of their people are wavering and the morale of their troops low. Thus, they would definitely not launch a war anytime soon! So, even if the Western Han has actions, they would only stay behind the scenes and try to sow discord. They would definitely not make any large actions."
"The Moon Deity Empire is too far away and may not even come. By the time they receive news about the matters here, everything would've been over. As for the Eastern Zhao Empire, they are currently fighting the Moon Deity Empire. They would only be torturing themselves if they were to start another war. As for our Sky Bearing Empire, we do not have the guts — or strength — to do so. The moment we stir up trouble, we will face enemies from all directions and will be destroyed immediately!"
"The only possibility is the Xiao family! However, the Xiao family also has their considerations. From the way they did not take any actions in recent years while receiving benefits from all sides, they also have the intention of spectating the fight! While the different nations break out in occasional skirmishes, they do not exhaust much resources in reality! Apart from the battle between our Sky Bearing Empire and Western Han having an obvious win and loss, the battles between the other empires are no more than training for their troops!"
"If the Xiao family rise to prominence now, they can be considered to be one of the most powerful force. However, the moment they stir trouble, they will become the target of every empire. With the superior equipment and wealth that the Xiao family has, all the different powers are already extremely wary of them! Thus, Xiao FengHan will only choose to sow discord in the dark and will not take action openly. With all the different empires on guard and wary, none of them would be willing to take the initiative or fall for the Xiao family's trap."
Ling Tian then chuckled, "Besides, facing the thousand years accumulation of the Yu family, which family would dare to make a rash move? Even if the Yu family isn't willing to take action, hehe, the Sky Bearing Empire still has your grandson present! If I see someone enjoying himself too much, I will chop his head off and throw it into the river like NanGong Le!"
"As for our Ling family, haha, this is the best chance for us to see the hidden strengths of all the different families! When the storm brews in our Sky Bearing Empire, the strength of all the different powers would be as bright as day! While all of these fellows are so ambitious, they are all extremely patient. Such a situation is just so unbearably ambiguous! Who knows when they want to continue this ambiguity until? If we do not break it soon, when will the chance for our Ling family to receive benefits from all directions come?"
Ling Tian then stood up proudly, "This matter is just a spark! While all the different great families will definitely take action, they will hold themselves back for sure! Unless a family breaks the balance and ignites fear in the other powers, the war will definitely not begin now! While all the various powers are moving into action this time, it will be nothing more than just a huge farce at the end of the day!"
"But the problem is that even if they know that it is only a farce, none of them will be willing to give up on this opportunity to know more about their opponents. In fact, they may even take this chance to build alliances. Thus, even if they know that this is a trap, they will still jump in willingly! As long as a single power choose to jump down this trap, the other powers will not be able to hold back and jump down as well! By the time they jump into the trap, they will realize that they can only maintain a balance again! But at that time, our Ling family would have gotten what we wanted! Hehe…" By the time he finished his explanation, he had a cunning smile on his face.
"Siiii…" Old Madam Ling took in a breath of cold air!
Just how did the brain of this grandson develop; such a huge plan and yet such meticulous planning! Every single power in the continent — the seven empires, eight great families and largest financial magnate — all fell into his plan without a single one being missed out!
As someone who had fought on the frontlines of a battle before, Old Madam Ling knew that if Ling Tian's plans were to succeed, the Ling family would be able to obtain the most detailed information about all the great families! The effect of this information, and outcome from using it, was something which could not be imagined!
At the very least, they would be able to take the initiative in an attack if they know their enemies well, planning their victory from a thousand miles away!
After hearing what Ling Tian said, the worry in Old Madam Ling's heart disappeared completely! Since her grandson had such a meticulous plan, what was there for her to be worried about?
Chapter 122: Master-Disciple Reunion
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
"Little brat! You've scared me to death!" Old Madam Ling calmed herself down as she scolded Ling Tian laughingly with a knock on his head. While her words sounded to be of regret, they were actually of comfort.
"Hehe. Grandmother, because I was afraid that you would be worried, your grandson said so much and my mouth is already dry. Does grandmother have any rewards for me?" Ling Tian said with a cheeky smile.
"Mmm, for making this old lady so worried, I shall have some exercise and reward you with two walking sticks. How about that?" Old Madam Ling teased.
"Ah? Can't be right?" Ling Tian said bitterly.
"Right, is the lady in your courtyard the little princess of the Yu family?" Old Madam Ling asked excitedly, like a grandmother finding a wife for her grandson.
"Mmm, that's her."
"Oh, didn't the rumors say that the little princess of the Yu family is a one in a thousand beauty? Why does she look like that?" Old Madam Ling asked with depression.
"Oh, she smeared a face concealing powder to conceal her true appearance." Ling Tian explained.
"Oh, then find some time to get her to wash it off and bring her to me so I can take a look." Old Madam Ling said excitedly.
"Err!" Ling Tian's face changed as he changed the topic quickly, "Grandmother, where is grandfather and father?" If Yu BingYan wanted to remove her concealment, she would have done so already. Since she was not willing to remove it, what would be the purpose of forcing her to do so? Thus, Ling Tian changed the topic quickly.
"Your grandfather does nothing everyday, drinking and fooling around with those old friends of his; I also don't know what he does everyday. As for your father, there is no need to mention him." Old Madam Ling sighed, "Now, I just want to beat your father up when I see him."
"Ah? What happened to father?" Ling Tian asked with doubt. His father had always been fillal and always listened to grandmother, how did he anger her?
"That stupid donkey, because some of his opponent's generals died a mysterious death, he had won a few huge battles. Especially with him winning back the Valley of Sobbing Spirits, his head has swelled up to the size of a watermelon already. He goes to the military department for tea everyday, proudly thinking that he is the 'battle-god' of the Sky Bearing Empire. I am angered the moment I see him! Why doesn't he think carefully about the few mysterious victories? After not being able to find an answer, he just decided to place all the credit on himself! He is just blur and egotistical to the extreme!" Old Madam Ling scolded hatefully.
"Hahahaha…." Ling Tian, who was drinking a mouth of tea, spit it out in laughter.
"What are you laughing about?" Old Madam Ling said angrily, "This old lady is still not done yet."
"Father, hahaha, he is just too cute, hahaha…" Imagining his father pacing about with a tea cup in his hands and eyes looking towards the sky, Ling Tian could not help but laugh even harder.
"Scram back to your courtyard to accompany your little princess. Don't create trouble at my place." Now that Old Madam Ling's worries were all addressed, and seeing how Ling Tian was laughing so arrogantly, she could not help but chase him out laughingly.
Before Ling Tian left the room, Old Madam Ling did not forget to add, "Remember to bring that lass to see this old lady after she removes her concealment."
Ling Tian then agreed reluctantly and escaped.
"Young noble, Mister Qin is back and is at the north gate. But, his carriage was stopped by the Yang family, saying that they want to find the culprit! The guards accompanying him are now in confrontation with the Yang family!" Just when he left his grandmother's room, a guard ran towards him hastily.
"What! Yang family?!" Ling Tian began to think about the matter, "It seems that the Yang family is finally going to start testing me, I knew that they would definitely doubt me."
"If I do not go, the Yang family will definitely think that I have a guilty conscience! This time, I do not have a choice but to go. In fact, I must definitely put on a strong front! They actually dare to block my men! If I do not show you my true colors, you will not know why the flowers are red!"
"Call Wang Tong and Li Qing. Then, call a few more men and follow me to receive Mister Qin!" Ling Tian commanded without hesitation.
Wang Tong and Li Qing were both from the 36 Blood Iron Warriors, who he kept behind on purpose to be the head of the Ling family guards, and had exceptional strength. A short while later, the both of them arrived with a group of guards. All of them were in full battle gear and had a look of excitement on their faces.
Following the young noble out is always extremely fun. Furthermore, they would be able to exercise their bodies a little and they were excited indeed. As they heard that the young noble was the one calling for men, all the guards fought for the opportunity and rushed out immediately. As for those who were not chosen, they were all rather depressed.
"Prepare the horses! Go to the north gate!"
The gates of the Ling mansion opened up wide and the herd of horses dashed out from within. Young noble Ling was dressed in white while riding a black horse. His horse was the first to dash out of the mansion and fitted in completely with the saying, "Man like jade, horse like dragon!"
It was just that this young noble seemed to be mumbling something with a look of ruthlessness on his face. With a fling of his whip, a loud smack sounded and the horse gave a loud neigh, sprinting forward like an arrow. Behind him, almost a hundred guards sprinted after Ling Tian. They actually dared to sprint on horses on the busiest street of the capital, causing all the passers-by to raise their eyebrows at such an action. They then continued to sprint all the way to the north gates extremely arrogantly.
A spy, who was dressed as a beggar outside the Ling family, reported this news to the Yang family immediately.
The north gate is in sight!
"Ling Tian went to the north gate? He brought a hundred people? Looking extremely arrogant? As per his usual personality?" Yang KongQun twiddled his beard and asked.
"Yes! This subordinate saw it personally. That Ling Tian went to the north gate indeed, it can't be wrong. His arrogance is also as per usual." A hawker-looking individual replied respectfully.
"Oh, I understand." Yang KongQun waved his hands, commanding them to leave.
"Does grandfather think that Ling Tian is suspicious?" By the side, Yang Wei's head was wrapped with a white cloth as he sat down on the chair with a fatigued looking face.
Before Yang KongQun said anything, he first let out a sigh. Looking at his grandson, he felt that his grandson was becoming more and more of an eyesore. Because Ling Tian was a silkpants, Yang KongQun had been mocking Ling Zhan for more than ten years, having the upper hand in words. But at this moment, he realized that his grandson was no much better than Ling Tian. In fact, he was still considerably inferior as compared to Ling Tian. At the very least, while Ling Tian was arrogant, he had never suffered a loss before. His own grandson was extremely arrogant as well, but also a good for nothing. His grandson was indeed the misfortune of the family.
Yang Lei glared at his son before looking towards Yang KongQun, "Father, you think…"
Yang KongQun shut his eyes for a while and did not say anything. Only after a short while did he reply, "I cannot confirm anything right now. We should make a conclusion after the news from the north gate comes back." He then let out a long sigh, "If… our Yang family is going to suffer a great loss." Yang KongQun's expression grew serious. Yang Wei and his father then looked towards each other, not daring to say anything.
North gate.
Ling Tian led the way and sprinted all the way here. In front of him, eight guards from the Yang family were separated into two rows, checking anyone who enters or exits the city. By the city gates, there was a carriage stopped quietly with a few guards of the Ling family guarding it with their swords drawn, with an atmosphere of hostility in the air. In front of them were a few guards from the Yang family, saying something with spittle flying all around.
Seeing that Ling Tian led the troops personally, the guards of the Yang family began to curse silently in their hearts. Thinking about the instructions of Yang KongQun, they could only grit their teeth and shout, "Young noble Ling, we are all just following instructions. I hope that young noble will understand!"
*Pa!* Before he finished his sentence, the whip of the horse had already lashed out as Ling Tian shouted, "Understand?! What can you guys be considered?! This young noble does not have the time to waste with you! Scram!" The speed of his horse was not reduced at all, sprinting at top speed.
The faces of the Yang family's guards changed as they hurriedly escaped with a roll. Smoke and dust were then kicked up behind Ling Tian as he charged past the guards.
On the carriage, a white haired old man looked out for the first time after the carriage had been stopped. With the support of the guards, he walked down the carriage slowly. After he got off, he said to Ling Tian with a smile, "You're here?"
"Mister, you're back." Ling Tian got off his horse and received Mister Qin with emotional eyes. Three years ago, Mister Qin's wife fell seriously ill and Ling Tian was only able to extend her life by a few months despite giving it all he had. After she passed away, Mister Qin was heart-broken as his heart turned cold and dead. He returned to his hometown with his wife's coffin and left for three full years.
In the three years, apart from visiting every once in a while, Ling Tian would send men to provide daily necessities and had empathized with Mister Qin's feelings. To a loving pair of couple, things were not as simple as 'husband and wife when young, companions when old'. The first person to move on to the afterlife is usually the most blessed, because the blow to the other party was just too great! This was something that Ling Tian was able to understand. Thus, he tried his best to give Mister Qin more time and space to recover and adjust himself.
Ling Tian was certain that Mister Qin would return! Now, Mister Qin is indeed back. Just when the storm was brewing in the Sky Bearing Empire with all the powers gathering, he returned to the disciple he was most pleased with!
Both old and young looked at each other and could see the joy in each other's eyes. Mister Qin was glad about his disciple's growth and Ling Tian was glad about Mister Qin's return.
The hundred guards stood behind them quietly in two rows, protecting them silently.
Ling Tian then turned around and commanded with a wave of his hands, "Mister Qin, please board the carriage. We welcome Mister Qin's return!"
"Mister Qin, please board the carriage. We welcome Mister Qin's return!"
All the guards shouted, their voices shook the heavens and earth, as the unending echoes sounded!
With tears in his eyes, he smiled to the guards and cupped his fists, "This Qin thanks all of you. I thank the young noble for receiving me personally!"
Ling Tian stretched out his hands to personally raise the curtains on the carriage, "Mister, please!"
Mister Qin looked at him deeply with joy, gratitude and even respect in his eyes. But, he did not say a thing as he got into the carriage.
Ling Tian then let down the curtains and ignored the hundreds of Yang family guards, "Set off!"
Chapter 123: City Gate Drama
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
*Pa!!" The guard seating at the front of the carriage whipped the horse and whistled out loud. The four horses then began to move as the carriage moved slowly.
"Young noble Ling, wait!" A middle aged man grit his teeth and walked out. As Ling Tian glanced over, he realized that he was a butler called Yang Yun. This middle aged man usually grovelled with Yang Wei, committing many unspeakable acts. At least half of what Yang Wei did was suggested by this middle aged man. Using Ling Tian's words, this fellow's face is full of skin ulcers and blisters all over his feet; he was completely bad!
"Is anything the matter?" Ling Tian lowered his head as his whip 'unknowingly' lashed out onto his boots. Ling Tian did not even look him in the eye, treating him like air.
While Yang Yun was fuming, the silkpants in front of him was indeed difficult to deal with. He almost wanted to wave his hands to let Ling Tian go, so he would not have to torture himself. But thinking about Yang KongQun's strict orders about investigating Ling Tian, he could only swallow his anger, "I believe that young noble also knows that a large matter occurred in our Yang family last night. We also have no choice but to search everyone who enters or leaves the city. This little one is only a subordinate and I hope that young noble will show me some mercy, letting me perform the formalities. I hope young noble can be more understanding."
Ling Tian raised his eyes, "Large matter? What large matter? Did that old fogey, Yang KongQun, die?"
That single phrase made Yang Yun almost faint from anger as fire could be seen shooting out from his eyes. Thus, he could only lower his head to avoid Ling Tian from seeing the anger in his eyes. However, he could not control his body from trembling, "Young noble must be joking. Our family head is still extremely healthy and it had been rare for him to even fall ill in the past decade. How would he have an accident? However, NanGong Le, who came to my house as guest was assassinated by a scoundrel."
Ling Tian replied with an 'oh' before saying, "I see, that silkpants died. The moment I saw him, I knew that he was short-lived. He had finally listened to the heavens, hahaha. Right, doesn't that mean that your little miss is now a widow? I heard that if you were to marry her over in such a circumstance, she will have to attend the wedding ceremony with a rooster. Yang Yun, after hearing this piece of news, this young noble feels extremely good in my heart. Men, reward him!"
Yang Yun's body shook from anger as his lips also turned green, almost spitting out a mouthful of blood. He glared at Ling Tian fiercely, almost wanting to bite off a piece of meat from Ling Tian! The faces of the Yang family's guards were also ashen with their hands placed on the hilt of their blades, staring at Ling Tian with a bloody killing intent.
Wang Tong, who was by the side, came forward and handed out an ingot of silver, "This is my young noble's reward, quickly thank my young noble!"
In a fit of rage, Yang Yun had subconsciously pushed Wang Tong's hand away.
Ling Tian was enraged as he saw that! With a loud 'pa', his whip lashed out, whipping a deep, bloody scar on Yang Yun's face, "You dare to reject this young noble's reward? Are you seeking death?! Why are all of you looking at me like that? You want to bite me? It seems that all of you are fat on guts! Scram! What has the death of NanGong Le has got to do with this young noble? This daddy here is just happy that he is dead! His marriage partner isn't my younger sister anyway! He is completely unrelated to me! On whose authority are you guys relying on to block me here?"
Yang Yun covered his face with his hand as his eyes gleamed with hatred, almost exploding on the spot! As the head butler of the Yang family, he had always been a tyrannical being in the Sky Bearing Empire. Even if a normal government official were to see him, they would have to greet him from afar. Since when did he suffer from such humiliation? But, the person in front of him was someone who his young master — Yang Wei — master — Yang Lei — and even old master — Yang KongQun — was extremely wary of. With the heavy responsibility of testing Ling Tian, how would Yang Yun dare to create trouble?
Taking in a deep breath, he tried his best to stabilize his emotions. With a dry laughter which sounded even worse than him crying, he said, "Young noble Ling must be joking. Haha, young noble Ling is definitely someone magnanimous who will not make things difficult for us servants."
"Joking? HAHAHA, what a joke! Yang Yun, are you my son? Why would I have the mood to joke with you? If you are not going to move aside, this young noble will make your head land on the floor!" Ling Tian revealed a vicious smile; his white teeth glistening in the scorching sunlight, making him look like a ferocious animal choosing his prey to devour!
Ling Tian knew that with Yang Yun's usual courage, Yang Yun would only be afraid that he was not willing to leave. How was it possible for Yang Yun to have the guts to check on him? For Yang Yun to be so insistent, Yang KongQun must have given a strict order to Yang Yun. As long as he takes a step back today, even if he had no suspicions, he would become the greatest suspect when the Yang family relay the matters today into the ears of the NanGong family. At that time, it would really be like the saying, 'With the yellow mud in your pants, it would be shit even if it isn't shit'!
Thus, Ling Tian definitely cannot give way at this moment. Not only will he not give way, he would be as domineering as he can be and give Yang KongQun a good act! You, Yang KongQun actually dare to make me, Ling Tian, into your dart board to deal with the NanGong family? How can I let things go your way?
"Men! Drag all of these henchmen from the Yang family to the side and give them a good beating!" Ling Tian shouted out! With a sinister laughter, he continued, "The son-in-law of the Yang family is dead and you guys want to vent your anger on me? You guys must be blind! Beat them! Beat them harshly! The person who beats them up the most, this young noble will reward you!"
With a command, Wang Tong, Li Qing and the other guards of the Ling family grew excited! Without a shred of hesitation, Wang Tong's hand swung out and gave a good slap to Yang Yun with a crisp and melodious sound!
Yang Yun immediately spun on the spot from the slap, falling on the floor like a ballerina (it seems as though this world does not have any ballerinas). Stars could be seen in his eyes, with blood flowing down from the corners of his mouth. As he opened his mouth, a few white teeth fell onto the ground with a trail of blood following them.
Wang Tong then scolded, "The young noble rewarded you and a slave like you actually did not know how to thank him. You even had the guts to use your backing to block my young noble's way and offend my young noble's teacher. Is this how that old man Yang teaches you usually? You really threw the face of Yang KongQun! Grandpa Wang here will help your master, Yang KongQun, discipline his servants! From today on, you must know how high the heavens are and how thick the grounds are when you come out! Don't think that you are much just because you are a dog of the Yang family! Cheh! Not to mention you, even your old master does not have the rights to be so rude to my young noble. If I don't give you a good beating today, you wouldn't know what the rules out here are!"
As he scolded, his legs were not idle, stomping on Yang Yun's face with his boots. Yang Yun was only able to let out a shriek, "Save me, have mercy…", before fainting.
As the guards of the Yang family saw the Ling family's guards beat up Yang Yun, they could no longer hold back their anger. With rage burning in their eyes, they all began to pounce forward. The guards behind Ling Tian had already been rubbing their fists in excitement, as they looked at Wang Tong beat Yang Yun up with envy. Without a command, they also let out a battlecry and pounced forward. In that instant, a huge chain reaction started and the fight grew out of hand.
By the city gates, the guards of the Ling and Yang family were tangled up in a large mess. The sounds of battles, cries of agony, cursing, punches, made a beautiful melody.
Ling Tian was still seated atop his horse, leisurely wandering around in the mess. His suave face was filled with 30% of delight, 30% of cruelty and 30% of excitement. At the same time, he cursed and scolded the guards of the Yang family as the whip in his hands lashed out towards the faces of the guards! Every single whip would result in blood and flesh splattering all over! While the guards of the Yang family dared to fight back against the others from the Ling family, they only dared to avoid this young noble.
"Good servant, for this young noble to beat you, it means that I think highly of you. You dare to dodge?!" Such arrogant words naturally came out from the number one silkpants of the Sky Bearing Empire.
The guards from both families shoved each other about, overcrowding the city gates as they broke out in battle. The original guards of the city gates had already been pushed out of the city! They observed the fight from afar, watching the scene in front of them excitedly as though it was a play. Why wasn't there anyone stopping the fight?! Stop them? Who would dare to? Didn't they see that it was young noble Ling? His uncle-in-law is the current emperor. He had always beaten people up for nothing and it was no longer anything new after so many years.
On the top of the city walls, a row of neatly-ordered heads appeared, watching the fight between the two families excitedly. Ling Tian's hat was already slanted as the corners of his lips contorted with a malevolent grin. A string of curses flowed out from his mouth fluently, as his outer coat was also half opened. The whip in his hand sliced through the wind continuously, ringing out in the air like the sound of wind blowing through the bamboo forest. Everyone's mouth was agape in shock; he was indeed the number one silkpants of the Sky Bearing Empire! He should probably be called the number one silkpants in the world!
About a hundred people from the Ling family came and the Yang family also had about a hundred people stationed by the city gates. While the numbers from both sides were similar, the strength of both parties could be seen with a single glance! With Ling Tian being there personally, the morale of the Ling family's guards was unconsciously higher. Even though Ling Tian walked through the crowd on his horse and lashed out his whip, no one from the Yang family dared to attack this young noble from the Ling family. They all knew that it wasn't much for them to fight with the guards of the Ling family. Regardless of whoever was victorious, they would at least get to vent their anger. But if they were to injure this young noble Ling, even Yang KongQun may not be able to protect them; even if he tried his best. Furthermore, they all knew how their old master was like. If they were to really touch that silkpants, even without the Ling family punishing them, their own old master would probably kill them as an apology. Who would be so foolish? They would just dodge whatever they could. If they could not, they would just suffer from a whip or two at most. No matter what, it was still better than losing their lives!
A short while later, victory and defeat was quickly determined. While the guards of the Ling family were injured, there were not many from the Yang family who could even stand up, as they all lay on the floor.
Chapter 124: Win an Inch, Want a Foot
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll
The sounds of horses' hoofs sounded from afar like raindrops.
"Stop! Stop fighting!" Someone shouted out loud!
Ling Tian ignored the shout completely as he continued to order, "Beat! Beat them up! Beat them up good! Let them remember this incident forever! Beat beat beat beat beat!!!"
As he shouted, his hands were not idle either. After the loud shout for him to stop, not only did he not stop, he began to whip the Yang family guards even harder! The whip in his hands let out 'pa pa pa' sounds, raining down on the Yang family's guards like rain.
All of a sudden, another whip appeared from the side, tangling together with Ling Tian's whip. A deep voice then bellowed, "Nephew Ling Tian, do not go too far. It's best that you show some mercy!"
Ling Tian turned to look; the one stopping his whip was Yang Wei's father, Yang Lei, and the one talking was Yang KongQun!
After the Yang family received news of the fight breaking out at the city gates, they rushed here as fast as they could but were still too late. Seeing how those on the floor were all from their family, they all could not help but be ignited with rage as they glared at Ling Tian hatefully. Especially Yang Wei and Yang Lei, who almost burst out on the spot.
"Yang KongQun! What is the meaning of this?!" Unexpectedly, before those from the Yang family had a chance to say anything, Ling Tian hollered out first!
"This young noble's teacher wants to enter the city, what has that got to do with your Yang family? Yang KongQun, you allowed a bunch of your underlings to stop my teacher's carriage. They were arrogant and despotic, purposefully making things difficult for my teacher and not letting him into the city. When this young noble came to receive him personally, your men still dared to make a move against me! Yang KongQun, you are too arrogant! In this broad daylight, do you really think that your Yang family can cover the whole Sky Bearing City with the palm of your hands? Yang KongQun, I think that you old fogey want to revolt! How bold!! I will make sure to complain to my uncle-in-law about you old brat! Execute your whole family and confiscate all of your possessions!"
With a slanted hat and untidy clothes, Ling Tian's face was sinister and his voice loud, scolding Yang KongQun as though Yang KongQun was in the wrong! It was as though Ling Tian had suffered a large grievance, being extremely wronged!
As Ling Tian said that, everyone from the Yang family almost fainted from anger. They all suddenly felt like they were fishes out of water, taking in a large breath of air in unison.
The sounds of swords unsheathing could then be heard; half of the Yang family's guards drew out their blades with faces of rage. The family head of the Yang family was someone who could be said to be a head above the rest in the Sky Bearing Empire. Today, he was actually scolded by Ling Tian so ferociously, calling him an old fogey and old brat. This was something that they just could not endure!
A quick trace of anger flashed by Yang KongQun's face and he waved his hands, commanding his troops to stay calm. However, his eagle-like eyes continued to be focused on Ling Tian's face, as though he did not want to miss a single trace of Ling Tian's emotions. Then, a slight smile appeared on his face, "Nephew Ling Tian, a large incident happened in my Yang family. A guest from afar was killed innocently and we are searching the whole city for the perpetrator. What is wrong with that? But you, inverting black into white and being unreasonable. Perhaps, you have a guilty conscience?"
"I am inverting black into white? I am being unreasonable? I have a guilty conscience? Yang KongQun, what kind of bullshit are you spewing? Didn't NanGong Le die in your Yang family? Why are you putting the blame on my head? I think that you old brat must be afraid of the NanGong family! Maligning this young noble? Cheh! Yang KongQun, I can't believe that you actually have the face to say that! Not to mention NanGong Le, even if I want to kill your three bastard grandchildren, this young noble will definitely kill them openly. Is there a need for me to have a guilty conscience? What a big joke! Even if this young noble killed that silkpants NanGong Le, what can you do to me?!" Ling Tian shouted back with his nose pointed to the sky, being abnormally arrogant and domineering.
"Since you have already admitted that you killed NanGong Le, repay justice to my Yang family!" Yang Lei, who was by the side, interrupted.
"Cheh, you really know how to go with the flow. If this daddy here does it, I would not be afraid to admit it. But, you better not think about framing me if it was not done by me! If you dare to malign me any further, I will go and complain to my uncle-in-law!"
"If that's the case, since nephew Ling Tian has nothing to hide, why did you stop my men from searching you? Can there be another secret in the carriage?" Yang KongQun was not angry in the slightest, asking with a solemn tone.
Ling Tian then chuckled, "Yang KongQun, you do not need to agitate me. If they chose to talk to me nicely, this young noble will invite my teacher down personally. I can even give the carriage to your Yang family! After all, your Yang family is poor and will not have too many of these carriages. It wouldn't matter much for this young noble to give one or two of such carriages to your Yang family. However, your guys stopped me as though they were robbers, with malevolent looks on their faces. Do you think this young noble will accept such a treatment? I originally wanted to let you guys check the carriage, but that will be impossible now! This daddy here just isn't willing, what are you going to do about that?"
Ling Tian's words were also extremely vicious; the Yang family poor? One of the Eight Great Families on the continent would lack carriages? If this were to be spread, the Yang family would not be able to raise their heads anymore!
"Ling Tian, you better not go too far. Our Yang family has been enduring you for a long time already. You have to know that we have our limits too!" Yang Wei, who was by the side, shouted out.
"Look look look, this is how everyone from your Yang family acts. Scum without any upbringing! This young noble is talking to your grandfather, since when is it your turn to interrupt us? Are you the family head of the Yang family now?" Ling Tian said with sarcasm.
"You!" Yang Wei was angered to the point he could not say anything. However, he did not dare to retort either as what Ling Tian said wasn't wrong. After all, he did not pick the right timing to interrupt, only realizing his mistake after he had shouted out. If his grandfather were to really misunderstand him, things would be extremely bad!
Yang KongQun then looked at Ling Tian with a slight flicker in his eyes, "Nephew Ling Tian, are you really not going to let this old man check your carriage?" His tone was extremely deep, as though it was the signal for a storm.
Ling Tian then burst out into laughter and replied with a question, "Yang KongQun, must you really check this carriage? If you really want to check it, it is simple as well. You just need to agree to a single condition and this young noble will invite Mister Qin out immediately. I will even give you the carriage and you can check it as you like!" He purposefully mentioned giving the Yang family the carriage, coating his words with a layer of sarcasm.
"What condition?" Yang KongQun began to frown. How was it possible that he wanted to check this carriage? There was only an old man inside and nothing else to check. He was only trying to test Ling Tian's reaction. However, he never imagined that the situation would develop as such.
"Very simple, let's make things clear first. If you cannot find the perpetrator in the carriage, what will your Yang family do? If this young noble is satisfied, this young noble will not say a second word. I would invite my teacher down and leave without the carriage!" Ling Tian said with a bright smile, looking at Yang KongQun as though he was a starving mouse looking at a piece of cheese. His expression seemed to be telling Yang KongQun, 'Hehe, it is time to extort you!'
"Hahaha, nephew Ling Tian, since you are so insistent, I will not be so calculative with you. I shall believe that the perpetrator isn't in the carriage. Go back with your men and tell your grandfather that I will find him for chess when I have the time." Yang KongQun said with a smile, looking like a doting grandfather.
What a joke, I already know that there is only an old man, Mister Qin, in the carriage. If this old man still makes a bet with you, isn't this just giving you the opportunity to extort me? Since your Ling family does not have any suspicions now, why do I have to play along with you? Thus, Yang KongQun let Ling Tian pass immediately. Seeing Ling Tian's domineering appearance, Yang KongQun's suspicions were also gone. He could not help but think to himself, "It seems that it really wasn't this brat!"
"HAHAHA," Ling Tian burst out into laughter, "Yang KongQun, what do you take this young noble to be? Checking when you want to and I have to leave when you ask me to leave?" He then pointed to his guards, "Take a look at what your men did to them? Trying to leave without giving me an explanation? There isn't something so good in the world! This is the territory of my uncle-in-law, this is a place with laws!" Ling Tian shouted with anger, his voice resounding in the city gates!
Looking at the guards of the Yang family, blood was flowing from all of their noses and mouths as their teeth fell out and limbs fractured. There wasn't a single person who was uninjured and it was just unbearable to even watch them. Looking at the guards of the Ling family, while there were some with bandages, the majority of them were uninjured. All of them stood up brimming with energy, with not even a single serious injury.
Just who should give who an explanation? Everyone could not help but have that doubt.
Everyone stared at each other speechlessly. Using a present day saying, 'Seated silently with tears streaming down the face, the sound of a camel's bell ringing in their ears". [1]
Everyone from the Yang family were basically angered speechless by Ling Tian. All the guards of the Ling family were holding their lips tightly, afraid that they would burst out into laughter if they weren't careful! This young noble of theirs was really too… even after having the upper hand, he still has to extort them!
No matter how tolerant he was, Yang KongQun could no longer rein in his anger as he hollered, "Nephew Ling Tian, you have already gained enough benefits. Now that the Yang family is busy with our affairs, we cannot be bothered with being calculative with you. It's best that you don't go too far!"
Ling Tian then snorted, "Who is the one going too far here? Your guards are just more heavily injured on the surface. Yang KongQun, if you did not command them to be so unreasonable, will this young noble stoop myself down to their level? Your Yang family was the one who created trouble first and blew things up. Now, you want to let me forget about everything with a single sentence? Yang KongQun, as the family head of a Great Family, don't you think that it is extremely embarrassing for you to say something like that? Do you really need me to ask my uncle-in-law to be the judge of this matter?"
Everyone was speechless as they were filled with admiration by how this silkpants young noble was able to invert black into white. With a single sentence, he made the Ling family the victim of this incident! Furthermore, the Yang family had no way to retort because they were indeed the ones who started the incident.
[1]: This is taken from the lyrics of a song, 送战友, which means to send off their comrades into battle.
Chapter 125: The NanGong Family
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll
Yang KongQun let out a heavy sigh as he asked, "What do you want?"
Ling Tian smiled delightedly, "Simple, this young noble's bodyguard is injured and would need a physician to attend to him. My teacher had travelled for such a long distance and is already weary. In addition to being shocked by you Yangs, he would require some therapeutic remedy. This young noble here has a lot of things to do and because of your problems, I've had to tarry for a whole afternoon! The Yang family should also show some courtesy; how about giving us ten thousand taels of silver as compensation. This young noble shall also be magnanimous and not argue with you all any longer." Ling Tian appeared full of sincerity as he spoke; even sighing at himself, as though he was shocked at his own magnanimity.
Looking at Ling Tian's shameless expression, all the Yang family members revealed looks of murder, and stared daggers at him. As long as Yang KongQun gave the command, all of them would immediately throw themselves forward, beating that intolerable fellow into a pulp.
Yang KongQun took a deep breath slowly, suppressing the boiling blood caused by his anger to Ling Tian. Currently, the Yang family was facing both internal and external conflicts; it was definitely inadvisable to provoke their decade old enemy, the Ling Family! If they were to do so, it would be equivalent to provoking the NanGong, Ling, Wang and Imperial Families! Even if the problem could be solved, the Yangs would also end up ruined! Since this was a mere few thousand taels of silver, they could afford it; when they recovered in the future, then he would slowly take care of this kid! Ling Tian would always be in Sky Bearing anyway — it was not like he could grow wings and fly off!
Moreover, this kid Ling Tian had picked this sort of opportune time to take advantage of his weakness. Obviously, Ling Tian had already analysed the circumstances. If Yang KongQun did not want his family to weaken and collapse, then this grievance must be swallowed and not let out!
"Since that's the case, this old man shall fork out twenty thousand taels of silver and we shall let matters be bygones, alright?" Once Yang KongQun had made his decision, his troubled heart settled down again and he spoke in a level tone.
No matter the case, he finally expelled his suspicions regarding the Ling Family. Although he had investigated the Ling Family, deep in his heart, he did not want the matter to be related to them. This would only mean that they had both internal and external troubles to solve. His carefully made plans would end up flowing away like a spring river flowing east. After all, this was only twenty thousand taels of silver!
The moment his words were spoken, the surrounding people had a huge change in expression!
Everybody thought that Yang KongQun would definitely not accept the unreasonable terms set down by Ling Tian. The Yang family's guards already had their weapons drawn out of their sheaths and were brimming with killing intent; the people on the Ling side had also long grasped the weapons on their hands. The people situated on the city walls were also waiting for a good show; who knew that Yang KongQun would end up with such a weak finish?
Even Ling Tian himself thought that this was out of his expectations; to think that this willy fellow knows how to endure! Indeed a sly figure of his generation!
Ling Tian, however, burst out into laughter, "Senior is taking this too seriously! This junior was only pulling your leg. Since Grandpa Yang has already suggested a suitable compensation, if junior were to reject, then that would be not showing you face! As the old saying goes, 'If the Elder bestows something, the Junior does not dare to reject'. As such, this junior Ling Tian will be disrespecting you if I were to reject! These twenty thousand taels of silver is not a small sum, enough for this young noble to visit the Smoky Thea Tower for a few nights of enjoyment. As such, I really should thank you, this junior really has a lot of fate with you! Hahaha…."
Ling Tian appeared to be so elated, to the point he even changed the way he addressed Yang KongQun. Before that, it was Yang KongQun that old fogey or old brat, those sorts of derogatory comments. But in an instant, it changed to being Senior Yang and Grandpa Yang. This 180-degree change in expression let others gape in astonishment. In a blink of an eye, he became extremely warm and close towards Yang KongQun, his face full of radiance, as though he could not hold back the happiness in his heart.
The crowd all sighed in amazement: For this Young Noble Ling to not have a profession as an actor, what a waste of a good talent!
After receiving the bills that Yang Lei passed over with gritted teeth, Ling Tian slapped the bills against his finger with a 'pa' sound; his face full of happiness as he said, "Twenty thousand taels, not a single tael less. Thank you, Elder Yang!" He cupped his hands, and amidst laughing heartily, saddled his black horse and moved off. The chariot behind him also set off slowly and the Ling Family's guards also got onto their horses and galloped away, their faces beaming with happiness!
Within the courtyard of the Yang Family, over a hundred men wore white bandages on their foreheads. Some sported bandages on their arms, fresh blood continuously seeping from the white cloth. Furthermore, people were constantly being carried in and one of them was the Head Butler, Yang Yun.
Head Butler Yang was still unconscious, his mouth sunken in. It was obvious that all his teeth were knocked out by someone, with at least seven to eight of his ribs broken. However, he was not in any life-threatening scenario and would be able to keep his little life. Most of those injured were the same, some lighter and some heavier injuries, but no one in danger of dying. The people who acted against them seemed to be very considerate.
Yang KongQun, Yang Lei, Yang Zhen, as well as NanGong Yu, all stood on the stone steps of the inner courtyard, all with different expressions.
Yang Lei and Yang Zhen had expressions of fury, the veins on their heads jumping and grinding sounds coming from their mouths. Yang KongQun however, appeared indifferent, as though he had other thoughts.
NanGong Yu, who was standing by the side, saw the whole courtyard full of casualties. While her expression on the surface seemed to be full of fury, the pupils of her eyes revealed an expression of relief! 'Yang KongQun you evil fellow; you plotted against my brother and adopted this sort of stance in order to curry favor with my NanGong family. The whole world knows that Ling Tian is a silkpant and your Yang family would usually give way to him. But today, you went against him despite the troubles on your hands. You are obviously trying to draw the attention of others to the Ling Family! Old fart! Since your scheme is going according to your wishes, how can this lady here let you achieve it? The Ling Family might look easy to handle, but if we were to really take action, it would be as good as pitting the NanGong Family against the entire Sky Bearing Empire. If this lady here did not find out the truth, I would still kept in the dark by you. But now that I've already discovered your actions, in my eyes, you're merely putting on a despicable act in front of me!' NanGong Yu thought to herself viciously.
"Dad, I don't understand why you would back down willingly just like that! Since we want to investigate the Ling Family and Ling Tian, why would you deploy the lowest ranked guards over? This time, if we had a few experts on the scene, how would our Yang Family's men be beaten up til this extent and furthermore subject to such humiliation!" Yang Lei blustered. Right now, he longed to dismember Ling Tian into a thousand pieces!
"Disgraceful! We went over to investigate, not to wage a war! We only went over to confirm our suspicions; if we had brought along our experts, would that still be an investigation? If, in the worst case scenario, we end up beating that kid Ling Tian to death or end up crippling him? How do we fix the scenario? Right now, the Yang family is so unstable and you want to invite the wrath of the Ling Family over as well? This old man ordered these people there for them to be beaten! If Ling Tian did not beat them up and earnestly allowed to them search the carriage, or if he wasn't there in person, then that would mean trouble! If that's the case, then the Ling family would definitely be at the top of the list! However, since he acted as per his arrogant and despotic self, then we now have to lie low and watch the situation further!" Yang KongQun hollered in fury.
"Oh? If that's the case, then does Family Head Yang think that the Ling Family is the prime suspect in killing my brother? Is this entire matter orchestrated by the Ling Family?" NanGong Yu calmly spoke out. However, an indiscernible flash of ridicule appeared in the pupils of her eyes.
"I can't be sure at the moment!" Yang KongQun replied cautiously, "However, the suspicion on them has not been lifted yet. This old man feels that the kid Ling Tian is hiding some secrets which I cannot figure out."
"Oh!" NanGong Yu let out a sound full of hidden understanding and did not speak further. However, deep in her heart, she was relentlessly cursing, 'You old fox, keep playing your tricks and lies! See who will believe you!'
The NanGong Family.
NanGong TianLong trembled from head to toe, as a thin piece of paper fell from his hand and drifted towards the ground. For many years now, the hands of this NanGong family head had never been unstable, till now where he let slip the paper in his hands. In that very instant, the imposing lord of Southern Zheng, the NanGong family head, seemed to have turned into a life sized statue — his powerful stature seemingly becoming rigid. The wrinkles on his face also seemed clearer at this moment!
Madam NanGong looked at her husband in bewilderment as she bent down to pick up the mail sent over by the pigeon. Only she, other than the family head himself, dared to read the secret letters sent.
"Le'er!!!!" An agonized shriek sounded out and Madam NanGong felt as though her heart had been forcefully ripped out of her at this moment! On the letter was her daughter's neat and elegant handwriting. The words were few, the meaning clear. This was a mere piece of paper; but to Madam NanGong, it was like a thunderstorm on a sunny day! Her emotions ran amok in that instant!
The woman who was no lacking from men in terms of ability, Madam NanGong, suddenly felt her vision turn black. At the same time, she lost track of her senses. Her face as white as snow and her body suddenly pitched backward as she collapsed!
"Wife!" NanGong TianLong took his collapsed wife into his arms, desperately calling out to her.
After a long while, Madam NanGong finally regained her consciousness. Scenes of NanGong Le, from childhood till his present age, flashed piece after piece across her eyes. Though her son was stubborn and unruly, licentious and behaved like a silkpant, inside her heart, he was still her beloved darling whom she had carried for close to ten months! However, this piece of paper seemed to have gorged out twenty years of her blood, sweat, and tears!
"Le'er! My Le'er!!..." Madam NanGong let out another heart-rending scream of despair, her mind at a complete loss. She suddenly felt as though her life on this Earth had lost all meaning! Half of her soul seemed to have left her body, dissipating into the sky.
"Puah…" Madam NanGong suddenly opened her mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood. Her pristine white clothing was now stained with spots of red, that was the heartbroken blood of a caring mother! She then could not bear the mental stress and fainted once again into her husband's embrace, her eyes tightly shut. It was as though she did not wish to wake up and did not wish to face this cruel news head on...
"Le'er… Le'er!.." There was a moment of peace and quiet before NanGong TianLong's rigid body began to tremble once more. While hugging his unconscious wife's body tightly, two streams of tears formed, rolling down his face! Suddenly, he jerked his head up, viciously staring at the north, where the Sky Bearing Empire was situated, before letting out an animalistic growl from deep within himself, "Yang — Kong — Qun!!!" The tone was low, only heard by himself and his wife, but it was full of a hatred to the bones. This, the two of them were clear about it.
The news of NanGong Le's death traveled faster than the wind! Not even a day had passed and every major power on the Heavenly Star Continent had obtained this piece of news. Every leader in charge of a major power simultaneously thought of these two words upon receiving the piece of news: A chance!